Today's Top Headlines

Thursday, May 22

We're tracking a rare, late-season nor'easter that bears down on our region today. Our weather team has everything you need to know about timing and impacts from the storm hitting just before Memorial Day weekend. Here are other top headlines we're following this morning.

The nor’easter bears down today.

Click here for a closer look at the timing and impacts of Thursday’s storm, by region.

Light rain turns heavy and steady winds turn gusty. The worst hits in the afternoon, so the evening drive is a bit more difficult than the morning, and delays at the airport will compound later today (early flights are best).

Thursday’s nor’easter is expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds and possible coastal flooding to New England.

Here’s a closer look at the timing and potential impacts, by region:

A preschool teacher has been accused of pushing several children to the ground and into tables, chairs and walls at the Scituate, Massachusetts, facility where she worked, prosecutors said.

Lilly Garofola, a 29-year-old from Hull, faced judge in Hingham District Court Wednesday, where she pleaded not guilty to four counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and a dozen counts of assault and battery, according to the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office.

Garofola was placed on leave at the Little Steps Learning Center amid an investigation, according to prosecutors, then resigned. She was taken into custody without incident Wednesday morning.

Epic Universe, Universal Orlando Resort’s much-anticipated theme park, officially opens Thursday.

It’s the first major, traditional theme park to open in Florida since 1999, when Universal Islands of Adventure debuted, though Universal opened a themed Orlando water park, Volcano Bay, in 2017.

According to the park’s website, it is one of the most immersive and innovative theme parks ever created, as it transports guests to five imaginative worlds filled with extraordinary adventures: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Dark Universe and Celestial Park.

Students at Higgins Middle School in Peabody, Massachusetts, staged a walkout Tuesday, chanting the name of a late classmate who tragically took his own life early Saturday morning.

The family of 14-year-old Jason Bernard says he was a victim of bullying.

While counselors were available to students on Monday, many parents and community members believe the support has been insufficient, and that the school administration has mishandled the aftermath of Jason’s death.

Hidden in one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Boston, you’ll find what may be the least expensive souvenir in the city.

An art vending machine in the Seaport District is now dispensing mini prints by a local artists for $1.25.

“I’ve never seen anything like this, so this is a new concept for me,” said Ryan Ha, who purchased a print. “I think it’s a great way to kind of showcase the different parts of Boston.”